Chattanooga man pleads guilty in 2011 murder

Russell had faced a first-degree murder trial in November in Siler's murder, but the trial was moved in place of an older case.

Russell's attorney Bill Speek said Wednesday that his client had pleaded that morning and agreed to a second-degree murder conviction and a 20-year sentence.

Prosecutor Lance Pope said after the hearing that Russell will serve the sentence consecutive to an 8-year sentence on a previous aggravated robbery. He was on parole from the robbery when he killed Siler, 29.

Russell stabbed Siler in her room at the Country Hearth Suites on Jan. 6, 2011, according to witness Joseph Fields.